Last April, my husband and I finally had our long-awaited first trip together since the pandemic! After juggling work schedules and flight options, we decided on a delightful 3-week adventure through Spain and Italy, starting in late April. Little did we know, this timing would prove fortuitous, as you’ll see in my Rome entry.
This trip was a transformative experience. Spending endless hours in Renaissance museums, majestic Catholic churches, and awe-inspiring Roman ruins left me feeling deeply inspired and humbled. I decided to put these thoughts and experiences into words, not just for my future self to relive these wonderful memories, but also to provide valuable insights for future travelers.
In-depth entries:
- Madrid & Toledo: 5 Days of Spanish Charm
- Granada: Hidden gems and Alhambra’s Majesty (3 days)
- Malaga in 3 days: Fresh Seafood and Local Coffee
- Falling in Love with Bologna: The Heart of Pasta Paradise (3 Days)
- 3 days in Florence: Renaissance Masterpieces and Timeless Beauty (Part I)
- 3 days in Florence: Delightful food experience and Day trip to Chianti- Tuscany (Part II)
- Rome: 4 Days of History, Culture, and La Dolce Vita
Preparation for the trip:
1. International data roaming:
We explored different options for staying connected. My husband went with the international data plan, while I opted for eSIMs from Airalo for each country. Tip: If you use a travel data eSIM, remember you won’t have a local phone number. It’s handy for browsing and maps, but calls and texts might be an issue. I had a pretty comfortable amount of data, which was great when needed to hotspot to work remotely or to share with my husband.
Heads up! Free Wi-Fi can be scarce in Spanish restaurants and cafes. I would recommend planning accordingly!
2. Commute card:
We purchased the 5-day Madrid Card and 72-hour Rome Pass. The Madrid Card cost €65 for two, and the Rome Pass was €104. These passes offered free travel and discounts on attractions ticket.
As first-time visitors to Europe, I wasn’t quite prepared for the sheer volume of people on the Madrid Metro during mid-morning rush hour! We optimistically waited for a less crowded train, only to find ourselves stuck in the same situation and wasted another 30 mins. My tip: Keep an eye on arrival times and have your belongings close. If you’re traveling with bulky luggage, consider taking an Uber to avoid the hassle and unnecessary grumpy commute.
3. Packing:
Packing light became our travel mantra! We each brought a backpack for essentials and laptops, along with two suitcases. Thankfully, we prioritized booking accommodations with laundry facilities (thanks to my husband’s brilliant idea!). In fact, we barely used half the clothes we packed.
Let’s be honest – lugging heavy suitcases on cobblestone streets and navigating metro station stairs is no picnic. Here’s why packing light is a win-win: You can easily hop on and off public transportation, navigate narrow streets, and climb those charming (but sometimes daunting) cobble stone staircases to hidden gems.
Embrace Layers: Pack layers for changeable weather. This allows you to adjust to different temperatures. May in Madrid proved to be the tail end of the rainy season. Rome, on the other hand, was a more uncomfortable sunny weather. Pack sunscreen, a sun hat, and a foldable fan for those scorching afternoons spent waiting in lines. Another pro tip: Many attractions require cloakroom storage for backpacks, so consider a crossbody bag or a fanny bag for sightseeing.
Utilize Packing Cubes: Consider using packing cubes to organize your clothes efficiently and maximize suitcase space.
4. Most Importantly: Securing Your Spanish Travel Visa!
My husband has written an in-depth guide on how to obtain a Spain visa, specifically for travelers from the US Midwest. You can find more information in his article:
The Gartnerin 
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